The National Curriculum

Pupils aged 5-16 in state schools must be taught the National Curriculum. This is divided into four 'key stages' which depend on children's ages.

Pupils in Key Stage 2 must be taught the following subjects: English, mathematics, science, ICT, design and technology, information and communications technology, history, geography, music, art and design and physical education. Pupils must also study religious education.

Levels of achievement

The National Curriculum sets standards of achievement in each subject for pupils aged 5-14. There are eight levels in the National Curriculum. Pupils are expected to work their way through one level every two years:

• Level 2 is the level expected of most 7 year olds
• Level 4 is the level expected of most 11 year olds
• Levels 5 or 6 are the levels expected of most 14 year olds

Teacher assessments

All teachers check their pupils' progress in each subject as a normal part of their teaching. They must also assess pupils' progress in English, mathematics and science against the National Curriculum standards when pupils reach the end of each key stage. The teacher decides which level best describes a pupil's performance in each area of learning in that subject. Teachers use their knowledge of the work pupils have done throughout the year in class to judge the pupil's progress. Teacher assessment results are not part of the compulsory data that LEAs are required to publish and are not included in these tables. Some LEAs have, though, included their schools' teacher assessment results in the booklet for their area. And each school must include teacher assessments in their prospectus and annual governors' report.

Tests

Pupils take national tests when they reach the end of each Key Stage. The tests measure attainment in specific aspects of the National Curriculum. At the end of Key Stage 2 pupils are tested in English, mathematics and science. These tests give an indication of how pupils and schools are doing compared with national standards in these subjects.

Your child compared with his or her age group:

• Some pupils take extension tests for the next Key Stage at the same time they take Key Stage 2 tests. Extension tests are used to test pupils' performance at the next Key Stage. The extension tests will not be applicable after 2002.